An air accident investigation has concluded that an operative cutting grass along the runway at Dublin Airport, caused a near-miss for failing to leave the runway when instructed.
The investigation, carried out by the Air Accident Investigation Unit, also concluded that the workman's supervisor failed to warn of an incoming plane: the supervisor assumed that the operative had left the runway.
The mowing machine wasn't fitted with flashing warning lights and because he was not equipped with a radio device, the operator was unaware that an aircraft was approaching.
The near-miss happened in thick fog on 29th May 2008 as an inbound flight carrying 200 people, touched down from Egypt.
The Co-pilot is reported to have told the control tower that he "noticed a lawnmower too close to the runway edge lighting".
Source: Press Association
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